Helambu Cultural Trek 5 Days
helambu-cultural-trek

Helambu lies to the north of Kathmandu where dominantly Sherpa and Tamang races have their homes. The trekkers come in contact with temperate forests; snowy peaks which make you feel as if you are in paradise.With a diverse range of brilliant green valleys, misty rhododendron forests and distant horizons of snowy peaks, Helambu is the ideal short trek. There are simple tea houses along this route, yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountain villages and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water- buffalo.

The Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang that forms the focus of Helambu is a charming enclave of farmers and yak herders. The trip starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3500m. The trek takes you through Talamarang to Tarke Gyang via Timbu with chances to discern into typical Sherpa culture. However you go along the south ridge through Sermathang, down to the river at Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. The trek concludes at Melamchi Pul Bazaar rendering the option to drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu.
Trip Facts:
  • Duration: 05 Days
  • Type of Trek : Tea House (Lodge) / Camping
  • Max Altitude:3650 m.
  • Minimum Pax: 1 +
  • Mode of travel: Land Transportation
  • Grade: Easy Trek.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) which takes about one hour and then the uphill walk to Chisopani.
The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.) Chisopani is a weird place. It has magnificent views Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Mt. Dochelapcha, Gaurishankar, Sesapangma and many more.

Day 02: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.) which takes about seven hours. The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang till Gul Bhanjyang. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge.

Day 03: Trek from Kutumsang to Tharepati Pass (3650 m.) which takes about five and half hours. The trek continues north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trail then descends gradually to Magen Goth. There are few lodges and Goths (Domestic Animal Shed). The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati in fact is a great view point from where you can take a glimpse of the breathtaking snow caped mountains views such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, Numbur and many others.

Day 04: Trek from Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2743 m.) which takes about five and half hours.
Now you trek steep descent path all the way to Melamchi Khola (stream). You come across Melamchi Gaon before you cross bridge on Melamchi Khola. After you cross bridge, the trail moves uphill and for some distance it goes steep uphill all the way to Tarkeghyang. While walking, you cross several terraces and human settlement. To add your joy, Tarkeghyang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living here originally belong to Helmu caste.

Day 05: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Timbu (1580 m.) and it takes about four hours.
You trek descent trail all the way to Timbu through forest, terraces, human settlement and a small hydro project. There is a small new market with few shops and tea houses. Further you drive from Timbu to Kathmandu which takes about seven hours.

OUR TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:
  • Airport pick-up and drop off services
  • Trekking guide
  • Porter/s( One porter can carry up to 20 kgs luggage of two participants)
  • Entry Permit for Shivapuri National Park
  • Trekkers' Information Management system(TIMS) card
  • All land transportation
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
  • Necessary equipment such as sleeping bag, down jacket etc.
  • Rescue assistance
  • First aid kit
  • Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff
OUR TRIP PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
  • Personal nature expenses such as all kinds of drinks, beverages, etc.
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Tips
  • Hotel accomodation, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Email us for more details, up to date pricing and the information about our group departures.
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